The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stepped up preparations for the June 20, 2026, bye-election in the Rivers South-East Senatorial District, assuring residents of a credible, transparent, and peaceful electoral process.
The election is being conducted to fill the vacant senatorial seat left by the late Barry Mpigi, who died in February 2026. The district covers seven local government areas, including Gokana, Khana, Tai, Eleme, Andoni, Oyigbo, and Opobo/Nkoro.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Bori, Khana Local Government Area, on Tuesday, Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Johnson Alalibo Sinikiem, reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to delivering a free, fair, and transparent election.
Sinikiem disclosed that voting will take place in 1,629 polling units spread across 88 registration areas and wards within the senatorial district. He called on political parties, security agencies, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to work together to ensure a successful exercise.
According to him, INEC is fully prepared for the poll and remains focused on conducting an election that reflects the wishes of the electorate. He urged political parties and candidates to embrace issue-based campaigns and avoid actions capable of disrupting peace in the area.
The REC also emphasized the importance of maintaining a secure environment for the deployment of election personnel and materials, as well as guaranteeing the safety of voters before, during, and after the election.
He further revealed that INEC has commenced the final phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise across Rivers State’s 23 local government areas on a rotational basis.
Meanwhile, political observers continue to monitor developments in the state amid the lingering rivalry between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, with some residents expressing concerns about the possibility of a free and fair contest.
While details of candidates contesting the bye-election remain unclear, reports indicate that the Action Alliance and the Labour Party may have selected their flagbearers. The ruling APC is yet to officially announce a candidate, although speculation suggests that former senator Olaka Nwogu could emerge as the party’s choice.
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